Contents
At News4JAX-WJXT, Corley Peel had become one of the most favorite reporters in Jacksonville after five years. Her energy and devotion to local news came across and helped make her a household name and face-to-name in every household. Her sudden announcement to leave the channel had several people wondering: Why was Corley Peel leaving WJXT, and what was this new exciting chapter?
The answer, brought out in a heartwarming on-air surprise from her family, was personal and poignant: Corley Peel wasn’t going to another news station or any other career in media; she was stepping away from the demanding world of broadcast journalism to take time for her family. Understandably, such an announcement made further curiosity arise about Peel’s personal life, family dynamics, and background that helped shape her successful career.
Corley Peel’s road to becoming one of the highly regarded journalists didn’t start in Jacksonville. Although the details about her childhood and family are a bit private, it can easily be observed that she was raised with an awful lot of drive and a passion for storytelling. That very passion led her to pursue her calling in the line of journalism learn her skills and grow that keen instinctive sense regarding how important proper, effective reporting is.
During her five years with News4JAX, she has reported on everything from community initiatives to the toughest investigations and breaking news. She proved that she can gain the trust of many individuals, from all walks of life, because of her sensitivity to people’s situations and commitment to integrity in news. Her reporting wasn’t just about relaying facts; it was giving a voice to the community and shedding light on the issues that mattered most to Jacksonville residents.
The on-air farewell, put together by her family, gave a touching glimpse into the personal life that Peel had largely kept out of the public eye. That surprise appearance by her loved ones nailed it as to how important family is to her and, of course, the reason for her decision to step away from the hectic schedule of a television news reporter. Of course, since specific details about her family life remain private, it was pretty much self-explanatory that she needed to spend more quality time with them.
Corley Peel’s exit leaves a hole at News4JAX and in the Jacksonville community. She will also be remembered for her warm personality, relatableness with viewers, and good family values besides her professional milestones. As much as viewers may miss her on their screens every evening, they can also appreciate her call to give priority to her personal life and move into the next phase of her life. Her time at WJXT was one of growth, showing a talented and committed employee who will forever change the face of Jacksonville News.
Source: Instagram
Corley Peel’s Family
Corley Rebecca Peel and her twin sister, Chelsea, were born on April 19, 1990. She originally hails from Midlothian, Texas, where her family still lives.
The twins are among three daughters born to Guylyn Peel and Jack Peel. Their parents run a trailer business together in their hometown.
Corley and Chelsea Peel’s sister, Dana Peel Gill, is an associate vice president of academic communications at The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth. Meanwhile, Chelsea Peel is a graduate of Texas Tech University.
Chelsea Peel has been diagnosed with and is battling stage 4 lung cancer. The news anchor said that her twin sister has been fighting cancer for the last few years. She has never smoked, and the family is unsure about what caused the disease.
Corley Peel’s Career
Peel attended Texas Tech University with her twin sister. She completed an internship at Fox 34 before she received a BA in Broadcast Journalism in 2013.
Her first broadcast job out of college was in Joplin, Missouri. Peel was a reporter and weekend anchor at KSNF-TV.
In 2016, she moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma, to join KJRH-TV’s 2 News team. From there, she went to Jacksonville, Florida, and has been part of WJXT-TV’s News4JAX since 2017.
The nightside reporter and fill-in anchor covered all the happenings in the local community, from crime to severe weather. Over time, News4JAX viewers have grown attached to this amazing journalist.
Source: Instagram
Also Read: Meet ‘Bachelor’ Star Colton Underwood’s New Husband, Jordan C. Brown
So it was with heavy hearts that they accepted Peel’s decision to leave WJXT. Her last day on the air was August 16.
The news anchor is not moving on to a new job, and it’s unclear if she will return to broadcasting in the future. Her priority right now is her twin sister, so she is moving back to Texas to be with her.
Peel’s twin and her mother made a last-minute decision to fly to Florida to surprise the reporter during her last news broadcast at WJXT. They emerged from backstage after Peel’s highlight reel and a farewell aired.
Chelsea Peel addressed her sister’s followers and colleagues, thanking them for the love and support they have shown her and her family. While Jacksonville is sad to let Peel go, they are happy that the sisters get to live together again for the first time since college and hope Chelsea will conquer her illness soon.
